Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois New Names Emerge 17U
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The Chi-Town Tip Off in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois. We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois New Names Emerge 17U! Deven Triplett Deven Triplett 6'0"…
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Continue ReadingThe Chi-Town Tip Off in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois. We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois New Names Emerge 17U!
Deven Triplett Deven Triplett 6'0" Joliet Central | 2026 IL ( Hoops 4 Health 17U)
Triplett caught our attention as a 6’0” combo guard from Joliet Central. The lefty has some shake off the bounce getting in the lane along with being able to pop in a three. Showed active hands on the defensive end as well.
Nyshawn Turner Nyshawn Turner 6'5" Rich Township | 2025 IL ( Hoops 4 Health 17U)
Turner is a strong bodied wing from Rich Township that was most effective using his strength rebounding, defending, and is a solid passer making good decisions with the ball in his hands.
Josh Stone Josh Stone 6'2" | SG Plainfield East | 2025 IL (Illinois T-Wolves 17U)
Stone is a lefty combo guard that can really shoot the basketball with a sweet stroke off the catch. Active defender, solid passer, and is a sneaky guard rebounder at about 6’2”.
Nasir Sears Nasir Sears 5'10" | PG Plainfield East | 2025 IL (Illinois T-Wolves 17U)
Sears is a Joliet West product that made noise for the T-Wolves. He is explosive in the open floor with the ball in his hands. Scores at the rim being able to finish through contact for and-1 conversions.
Machi Nelson (M14 Adidas Gold 17U)
Nelson was a standout in both games we caught. The Proviso West point guard is on the smaller side, but makes up for it with his speed, pull up game, and quickness in the lane.
Caleb Henry Caleb Henry 6'5" | SF De La Salle | 2026 IL ( The Work Foundation 17U)
Henry is a 2026 from De La Salle that played up on the 17U level. Long and lanky 6’5” wing that showed he could be slippery on drives to the basket. Converted well at the rim scoring off the dribble. Bounce on the glass and needs some work on the jumper.
Brad Johnson Jr. ( Chicago Grinders 17U)
Johnson Jr. was the breakout player of the event for me. The Curie 7th man last year elevated his stock to where he could be a top 50 player in our next update. Wing that has good size at about 6’5” with the ability to knock in jumpers from all over the floor. Did it from both two and three in the game. Gets height on his shot and was confident letting them fly hitting at better than a 50% clip in the two games I watched. Also has some solid handles and can defend a little.
Shaun Cooper ( Chicago Grinders 17U)
Big man from Southland at about 6’6” that is a good area rebounder. Plays with toughness in the paint and is mostly a rebounder and post defender at this stage.
Max Justic ( Mike Glennon Elite 17U)
Justic caught our attention as the lefty guard scored 18 points while dishing out a ton of dimes in the game we saw. The Brother Rice point guard plays with good pace and feel. Solid pull up game, makes quick decisions with the ball, and has active hands on the defensive end getting steals.
Kareem Parker Kareem Parker 6'6" Plainfield South | 2025 IL (Flight Athletics 17U)
Parker is an athletic four man that right now is more of a rebounder and defender. Liked what he brought on the glass snatching rebounds and how he walled up against other big men with his length at 6’6”. Scored on the offensive glass and in transition.
Cole Bero Cole Bero 6'0" | SG Hinsdale Central | 2026 IL (Illinois Elite 17U)
Bero is a 2026 shooting guard from Hinsdale Central that played up on the 17U level. He can really shoot the basketball off the catch which is what impressed us most. Also mixed in some hesi takes for nifty finishes, but his shot making is what he excels at most.
Logan Arteaga Logan Arteaga 6'5" Palatine | 2025 IL (Big 3 17U)
Arteaga is a 6’5” post from Palatine that has a sweet right handed hook shot on the block. The solid athlete can also step out some hitting a three and was active on the glass. Played with toughness.
Zion Young Zion Young 6'6" | C Fenwick | 2025 IL ( Illinois Heat 17U)
Young is a 6’7” five man from Schaumburg that has a good frame and has slimmed down some since early in his career. Very good rebounder around the hoop that gets tip ins and finishes out of the dunker spot.
Liam Hanson ( Full Package 17U)
This Libertyville 2025 point guard was in attack mode at the end of day 2. He had a variety of tough takes while also scoring in transition off his defense.
Freddie Hassan (M14 Adidas Gold 17U)
Kaneland 6’5” power forward brings athleticism up front for M14. Very good offensive rebounder that got put backs and would finish out of the dunker spot. Good frame and toughness around the hoop. Solid post defender. Flashed some spot up shooting potential from three.